Husillos to be West Ham's football chief – sources

West Ham are set to appoint Malaga sporting director Mario Husillos as their new director of football, sources have told ESPN FC.

New West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini had recommended Husillos for the role at the London Stadium having worked with him during his time in charge of Malaga.

The Argentine is highly-regarded in European football and helped Malaga reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League with some astute business in the transfer market.

Husillos helped sign and develop the likes of Isco, Nacho Monreal, Juanmi and Joaquin during his time with the Spanish club and West Ham hope he can help discover some gems in the upcoming transfer markets.

West Ham have been searching for a new head of recruitment for several months after Tony Henry left the club just days after the close of the January transfer window.

Husillos is expected in London this week for further talks, with the club keen to get him on board as soon as possible to start preparing for next season.